Minnesota Vikings: Addition of DT Linval Joseph caps busy day

Defensive tackle Linval Joseph played for the New York Giants the past four seasons. (Photo by Rich Schultz /Getty Images)

Linval Joseph is just scratching the surface.

At least that's the word from Carl Banks, the New York Giants star linebacker-turned-radio analyst for the team, who watched Joseph closely in his four Giants seasons.

On the first official day of NFL free agency, Joseph, a 6-foot-4, 323-pound defensive tackle, agreed Tuesday to sign with the Vikings. ESPN reported the deal is worth $31.5 million over five years.

"He has a tremendous upside,'' Banks said. "I think he's going to work hard, not cause any trouble, and really show that he's got some skills as both a run defender and a pass defender.''

Also Tuesday, the Vikings agreed to re-sign free-agent offensive lineman Joe Berger, who could be a candidate to start at left guard if free agent Charlie Johnson doesn't return. Johnson said Tuesday that re-signing with Minnesota remains "an option.''

And backup running back Toby Gerhart left the Vikings for Jacksonville for what Pro Football Talk reported to be a three-year, $10.5 million deal.

Joseph, 25, is likely to move into the starting lineup alongside defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd and ends Brian Robison and Everson Griffen. Griffen on Tuesday officially signed a five-year, $42.5 million contract, meaning the Vikings have handed out $73 million to defensive linemen so far in free agency.

The snaring of Joseph makes it uncertain what will happen with defensive tackle Kevin Williams, a starter for the past 11 years. Williams, who told the Pioneer Press on Monday that he "wouldn't rule out'' re-signing, did not return a message Tuesday.

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Joseph played sparingly after being a Giants second-round pick in 2010. But he has started all 47 games he has played the past three seasons, including providing a key role on the Giants' 2011 Super Bowl-winning team.

"He came in and did a really good job that season,'' said Howard Cross, a former Giants tight end and now a radio sideline reporter for the team. "He's still young, and he's just getting better.''

Banks expects Joseph, who had 59 tackles last season, to play a key role for the Vikings.

"With (Minnesota coach Mike) Zimmer, he's going to excel because Zimmer likes to do a lot of one-gap stuff and really penetrate, and that's where he'll be very disruptive,'' Banks said.

For the Vikings' next big move, Banks said they would be wise to pursue linebacker DeMarcus Ware, released Tuesday by Dallas. During Ware's first two seasons of 2005 and 2006, Zimmer was the Cowboys' defensive coordinator and Banks was a consultant for the team.

"Sure, if the price is right,'' Banks said about going after Ware. "If you put him in the mix, you don't miss Jared Allen as much (as a pass rusher).''

Allen is leaving the Vikings as a free agent. Griffen is expected to replace him at right defensive end.

"I haven't touched the surface of what I can do," Griffen said Tuesday. "I'm ready to work. I'm ready to listen. They're holding me up to a higher expectation. Now it's time to go out there and blossom.''

Griffen is one of six free agents who have agreed to return to Minnesota. Berger is the latest, getting a one-year deal for his fourth Vikings season.

"He's excited about it,'' said Berger's agent, Thomas Tafelski. "He's a family guy, and he loves the area. His offensive line coach (Jeff Davidson) is still there. He's there to compete. He can play all three spots (on the offensive line).''

Berger, entering his 10th NFL season, played in all 16 games last season, starting two. He will continue to provide depth on the line and could start if Johnson doesn't re-sign.

Johnson, who made $2.45 million last season, has been offered the chance to return. But money will be a factor.

"I'm comfortable with the city, my teammates and my offensive line coach,'' Johnson said. "It would be ideal to return, but it's not an ideal world.''

Johnson said he has a "couple of other options.'' He declined to name those teams but said he expects to make a decision by the end of the week.